Uninsured motorist insurance provides coverage if you get into an accident with a driver that does not carry auto insurance. Although Alabama law requires all drivers to maintain at least the minimum amounts of vehicle insurance, many drivers disobey this law. Others may not realize their coverage has lapsed until they get into accidents and try to file claims. Purchasing uninsured motorist insurance could offer greater protection for you as a driver in Alabama. If you were recently injured in a car accident, contact our expert Birmingham car accident lawyers today.

Alabama Car Insurance Requirements

Car insurance is a system that will pay for victims’ damages in the event of a collision. Every state has specific requirements it imposes on drivers in terms of auto insurance. Learning and obeying the law in Alabama will help you avoid penalties for driving without proper insurance. While a driver can purchase many different types of coverage, only some are mandatory.

• Bodily injury insurance. At least $25,000 in bodily injury insurance per person, per accident, and at least $50,000 in bodily injury for all persons per accident.
• Property damage liability. At least $25,000 in property damage liability per accident.

The insurance requirements depend on whether the state follows fault or no-fault rules. Most states, including Alabama, are fault states. Fault states typically do not require their drivers to carry collision or comprehensive insurance. In a no-fault state, these types of coverage are often additional requirements to protect each driver.

Is Uninsured Motorist Insurance A Requirement?

No, the Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles does not make it mandatory to purchase uninsured motorist insurance as a driver. However, all insurance companies must offer you this type of insurance during the initial policy purchase. You have to expressly opt out of uninsured motorist coverage, with an explanation in writing of why you are opting out. Only by submitting this explanation can you drive without uninsured motorist insurance in Alabama.

Even though uninsured motorist insurance is not a requirement, many drivers carry this insurance to protect them in case of accidents with uninsured drivers. Since Alabama is a fault state, the at-fault party will be responsible for damages. If the at-fault party in your crash case does not carry insurance, the burden will fall to your own insurance company. This will not be a big deal if you have uninsured motorist insurance. If you turned down this type of insurance, however, your provider may deny your claim – leaving you to pay for your losses out of pocket.

Why You Should Purchase Uninsured Motorist Insurance

As a driver in Alabama, it is up to you how much insurance you wish to purchase beyond the required minimums. Paying for uninsured motorist insurance could save you a lot of money in the future. You could save yourself from paying thousands of dollars in personal medical expenses and property damage repairs after a collision with an uninsured driver.

Uninsured motorist insurance also covers your damages in a hit-and-run accident. Your insurance company will treat the claim as if the other driver remained on the scene but did not have insurance. Purchasing uninsured motorist insurance can give you peace of mind as you drive around Alabama. Even if a negligent, uninsured or underinsured driver crashes into you, your own insurance company will pay for your damages.